Security operatives recovered the stolen livestock after a gun battle in Lade, Patigi Local Government Area.
Four suspected cattle rustlers have been killed during a gun battle with security operatives following an alleged attack on a cattle camp in Lade, Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi.
According to the police, the suspected rustlers invaded the cattle camp at about 10 p.m. on Friday, September 11, and fled with approximately 40 cows.
Security Team Recovers 35 Cows
Following information about the attack, personnel from the police, Nigerian Army, Forest Guards and local vigilantes mobilised to the area.
The joint team reportedly pursued the suspects into the surrounding forest and identified routes allegedly used during their escape.
The suspects subsequently engaged the operatives in a gun battle, during which four alleged members of the group were killed.
The police said other suspects escaped into the forest with suspected gunshot wounds.
Security operatives recovered 35 of the stolen cows and a locally fabricated rifle. Efforts are ongoing to recover the remaining animals and arrest the fleeing suspects.
Police Seek Community Support
Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, attributed the operation’s outcome to timely information from residents and collaboration among security agencies.
He commended the Nigerian Army, Forest Guards and local vigilantes for their contributions.
Adekimi urged residents, particularly those in rural and farming communities, to provide security agencies with timely information about suspicious activities.
He said intelligence sharing and coordinated operations remained important in addressing cattle rustling and other crimes in difficult-to-access areas.
Recent Security Operations in Kwara
The incident comes amid other security operations reported in Kwara State.
On August 27, the police said their personnel, working with military operatives and vigilantes, rescued the Onigbesi of Igbesi, Oba Moses Oyinloye Omotayo, and two other kidnapped victims.
The victims had reportedly been abducted from Igbesi in Isin Local Government Area on August 22.
Police said one suspected kidnapper was killed during an exchange of gunfire, while other members of the gang escaped.
